Canaan Dog

A Docile & Motivated Companion

Obedient, energetic, trainable

Canaan Dogs are active, protective, and devoted, medium-sized dogs. These vigilant watchdogs are a bit reserved with strangers and unfamiliar dogs, but are good with children. Canaans need a strong leader or they can be stubborn. Their dense undercoat protects them from extreme cold temperatures. These dogs make great companions for active singles and families with older children, and do well living on a farm or ranch. Canaans will not be happy with a lazy lifestyle, they need plenty of physical and mental challenges.

Understanding their unique needs will help keep them healthy and create a strong bond between the two of you. Explore this page to learn more about the breed’s history, health concerns, characteristics, and care needs.

Breed Details

Height:19-24 in.Weight:35-55 lbLifespan:12-13 years

Size

3

1=small 5=large

Grooming requirements

1

1 = little grooming - 5 = much grooming

Energy level

3

1 = low energy - 5 = high energy

Ease of training

4

1 = difficult - 5 = easy

Affection toward owners

3

1 = independent - 5 = very affectionate

Friendliness toward strangers

Routine Care: Canaans are smart dogs with lots of energy, so keep their mind and body active, or they'll get bored. Naturally a bit wary, they are distrustful of strangers; bond them to children early to trigger protective behaviors.

Grooming: Low grooming needs and is known for lack of "doggie odor". Brush coat as needed, at least weekly.

Dental: Canaan Dogs generally have good teeth, and you can keep them perfect by brushing them at least twice a week!

Ear Care: Clean their ears weekly, even as a puppy. Don’t worry—your veterinarian can show you how!

The Canaan Dog is an excellent problem solver. They are also affectionate, sensitive, and naturally protective of their family and home.

Positive Traits:

Highly active and eager to have a purpose

Vigilant watchdog with a ready bark

Good with children

Has a short, easy-to-care-for coat

Easily motivated and trainable

Docile and devoted

Negative Traits:

May have a tendency to bark excessively

Needs a lot of activity and mental stimulation to avoid boredom vices

Needs early socialization to accept other pets and strangers

Easily bored and may find trouble

Willful and stubborn if you don’t show strong leadership

May be territorial when it comes to cats and other dogs

Whether you are considering adding a new Canaan Dog to your family or you already have one as a companion, it is important for you to know about the genetically linked diseases known to occur more often in this breed. Of course not every Canaan Dog will have these problems, but research shows your pal is more at risk than other breeds.

By exploring the health concerns specific to the Canaan Dog you will become a knowledgeable and confident pet parent. Be sure to speak with your veterinarian about breed risks every time you visit and educate yourself on the most important signs to watch for at home. They are counting on you to be their health expert.

The Canaan Dog is a rare and ancient breed originating in Israel and bred for herding and guarding of flock and home. They have been used in times of war as messengers, mine detectors, trackers, and guard dogs. Now they are often trained as service dogs. Canaans have a dense undercoat that protects them from temperature extremes. The Canaan Dog is an extremely healthy breed with an average lifespan of 12-13 years. Some common conditions like epilepsy and cataracts have been seen in the Canaan Dog. Early detection is the key to a long and happy life, so be sure to schedule routine checkups.

Consult with a veterinarian if your Canaan Dog shows signs of the following:

Gums that are a color other than bright pink

Any abnormal shaking, trembling, or excessive involuntary tremors

Any new or changing lumps or bumps

Swollen lymph nodes or glands, unexplained weight loss

Chronic vomiting or diarrhea

General reluctance to run or play

Dragging the hind toes and hind limb weakness

Blinking, redness, pain or itchiness around the eyes

Cloudiness to eye lens

Increased blinking, extra tears and squinting

Dilated pupils in daylight, or increased "eye shine" at night

Dull coat, hair loss, sluggish, weight gain

Care

Routine Care: Canaans are smart dogs with lots of energy, so keep their mind and body active, or they'll get bored. Naturally a bit wary, they are distrustful of strangers; bond them to children early to trigger protective behaviors.

Grooming: Low grooming needs and is known for lack of "doggie odor". Brush coat as needed, at least weekly.

Dental: Canaan Dogs generally have good teeth, and you can keep them perfect by brushing them at least twice a week!

Ear Care: Clean their ears weekly, even as a puppy. Don’t worry—your veterinarian can show you how!

Characteristics

The Canaan Dog is an excellent problem solver. They are also affectionate, sensitive, and naturally protective of their family and home.

Positive Traits:

Highly active and eager to have a purpose

Vigilant watchdog with a ready bark

Good with children

Has a short, easy-to-care-for coat

Easily motivated and trainable

Docile and devoted

Negative Traits:

May have a tendency to bark excessively

Needs a lot of activity and mental stimulation to avoid boredom vices

Needs early socialization to accept other pets and strangers

Easily bored and may find trouble

Willful and stubborn if you don’t show strong leadership

May be territorial when it comes to cats and other dogs

Health Concerns

Whether you are considering adding a new Canaan Dog to your family or you already have one as a companion, it is important for you to know about the genetically linked diseases known to occur more often in this breed. Of course not every Canaan Dog will have these problems, but research shows your pal is more at risk than other breeds.

By exploring the health concerns specific to the Canaan Dog you will become a knowledgeable and confident pet parent. Be sure to speak with your veterinarian about breed risks every time you visit and educate yourself on the most important signs to watch for at home. They are counting on you to be their health expert.

History

The Canaan Dog is a rare and ancient breed originating in Israel and bred for herding and guarding of flock and home. They have been used in times of war as messengers, mine detectors, trackers, and guard dogs. Now they are often trained as service dogs. Canaans have a dense undercoat that protects them from temperature extremes. The Canaan Dog is an extremely healthy breed with an average lifespan of 12-13 years. Some common conditions like epilepsy and cataracts have been seen in the Canaan Dog. Early detection is the key to a long and happy life, so be sure to schedule routine checkups.

Watch Out For

Consult with a veterinarian if your Canaan Dog shows signs of the following:

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